Vibha Verma
As the fortnight long trial phase on ‘One Way Traffic Plan’ saw a significant improvement in traffic flow and cooperation from vehicular users, the local authorities are contemplating extending the trial to subsequently implement the plan on a permanent basis.
The Traffic Department and Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) had put into effect the joint decision to convert 17 major two-way streets to a one-way operation from September 1 to 15, in an attempt to decongest the city.
Considering the good response to the one-way traffic system, the authorities are not dubious about implementing it permanently. “The new plan has been successful,” Deputy Superintendent of Police (North Goa Traffic) Dharmesh Angle told Herald, “As such, we are intending to extend the trial period in consultation with the concerned agencies. A final decision will then be taken.” At the meeting, date of which is not yet decided, the authorities could also finalize to make the scheme a permanent one.
The change in traffic movement during the initial 15 days had also a handful of people complaining to the traffic cell. However, Angle said these did not hold any base that would deter them from discontinuing with plan.
CCP Mayor, Shubham Chodankar too supports making it permanent in the interest of all vehicle users. “Most of the people have welcomed the change in traffic movement. It has eased congestion in the city,” he commented, speaking to Herald.
Sources said views and suggestions of like-minded people could also be taken into consideration before adopting any resolution on whether to permanently make the roads one-way.
The capital city witnesses lakhs of people traveling on a daily basis with over 7,000 two wheelers and four wheelers plying in and out through the day.
Vehicle users have lauded the move stating it is a makeover that was an urgent requirement. “I did face some inconvenience in the first few days but I have adapted to the change. It is a very good effort by the government. The number of vehicles on the roads is increasing every day. Such a plan will curb all sorts of road-related menace,” Roque Menezes, a DJ by profession told this reporter.
The inconvenience was also due to the absence of proper signages which has been sorted out now. “Every spot from where the one way route begins has a signage,” an officer said.
According to a hired cab driver, the one-way traffic system has reduced parking problems. “Parking is not a major issue now as it was before the plan was implemented. There are many positive changes… This is despite the fact that a vehicle has to go around to come back to the same spot, I feel the plan should be permanently implemented,” he said adding that the government should do something to reduce the menace along the stretch where vehicles that pick and drop casino customers are parked during the late hours.
